Tray

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a tray for holding items, such as containers of food or beverage, said tray comprising a lateral support plate ( 1; 101 ) and a base plate ( 5; 102 ) arranged in a substantially parallel relationship, the tray further having spacing and locking means ( 6; 25, 122; 104, 105, 106, 107 ), said spacing and locking means ( 6; 25, 122, 104, 105, 106, 107 ) interconnecting the lateral support plate ( 1; 101 ) and the base plate ( 5; 102 ). The invention is distinctive in the lateral support plate ( 1; 101 ) having at least one opening ( 2   a;    2   b;    103 ) being defined through said lateral support plate ( 1, 101 ), forming lateral support for at least one item ( 3; 4 ). The base plate ( 5; 102 ) defining a supportive floor for the at least one item ( 3; 4 ), said spacing and locking means ( 6; 103 ) being configured to hold said lateral support plate ( 1; 101 ) and said base plate ( 5; 102 ) in a first extended spaced apart position and to hold said lateral support plate ( 1; 101 ) and said base plate ( 5; 102 ) in a second retracted position. The base plate ( 5; 102 ) having at least one elevated portion ( 17; 110 ) corresponding with the at least one opening ( 2   a;    2   b;    103 ) in the lateral support plate ( 1; 101 ), said elevated portion ( 17; 110 ) filling said opening in said second retracted position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention herein pertains dining trays and particularly pertains toa dining tray that will provide support for various shaped containersfor food or beverages stay positioned on the dining tray during use. Theinvention also pertains a tray that can be converted into having a flatsurface and that is suitable for drawing, writing or similar activities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

Due to the fast-paced life style of the world we live in, it has becomecommon practice for millions of people each day to grab a bite to eat onthe go. Travelling to and from work, running errands, picking up thekids and shuffling them back and forth to school and extracurricularactivities, taking long trips, are examples of times when a sit downmeal at home may not be possible. We find ourselves instead eating inour automobiles or bringing our food along with us to eat while watchingthe kids play soccer or participate in some other activity. During thesetimes, many people patronize a fast-food restaurant's drive thru orbring along food and beverages to consume in their automobiles or at theball field. Unfortunately, many people find that eating in an automobileor, for instance, at the ball field, is not convenient and poses certaindifficulties such as where to put the sandwich, where to put the Frenchfries, where to put the ketchup and sauces. Placing these items in yourlap can be messy at any time and even hazardous while driving.

In conventional travel trays there are no support for the food orbeverage containers and while carrying the tray, or balancing it on thelap, the open food containers can easily tilt and spill. Theconventional travel trays does not have a support member that providesupport to the tray when the tray is placed on the lap.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,176,855 shows a food and beverage tray with one or moredrinking bands, retractable legs and/or collapsing tray assembly. Thetray has a base tray spaced apart from the drinking bands in theexpanded position. The base plate and the drinking bands do not form aflat surface when the tray is in collapsible position and are thereforenot suitable for use as a playboard as a support for other item, likebook for drawing, writing etc.

The lateral support plate and the base plate are moved together bygravity when the tray is folded. This could cause injury on the fingerscompared to the invention where the two plate are folded in acontrollable manner by pressing the two plates together.

Thus a result of the problems and disadvantages associated withconventional travel trays and food containers, the present invention wasconceived and one of its objectives is to provide a tray in which avariety of food containers are supported to reduce the risk of tiltingand spilling of the containers.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a tray that iseasy to fold without causing any risk of injury.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a tray that areeasy to manufacture and is also relative inexpensive.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a traythat provides more stability when placed on the lap.

It is yet a further objective of the present invention to provide a traythat is easy to assemble and disassemble.

It is still yet another objective of the present invention to provide atray that collapsible into a narrow tray and easy to store when it isnot in use.

It is still yet another objective of the present invention to provide adining tray that is multifunctional in use and that can easily beconverted into a play board for instance for writing, drawing, playing,supporting a PC etc.

Various other objectives and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art as a more detaileddescription is set forth below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a tray for holding items, such as containers offood or beverage, said tray comprising a lateral support plate and abase plate arranged in a substantially parallel relationship, the trayfurther having spacing and locking means, said spacing and locking meansinterconnecting the lateral support plate and the base plate. Theinvention is distinctive in that the lateral support plate having atleast one opening being defined through said lateral support plate. Theopening forming lateral support for at least one item, said base platedefining a supportive floor for the at least one item, said spacing andlocking means being configured to hold said lateral support plate andsaid base plate in a first extended spaced apart position and to holdsaid lateral support plate and said base plate in a second retractedposition The base plate having at least one elevated portioncorresponding with the at least one opening in the lateral supportplate, said elevated portion filling said opening in said secondretracted position.

The lateral support plate and the base plate being arranged insubstantially parallel relationship, spaced apart in a first extendedposition gives the item a good lateral support. In the second retractedposition, the tray is easy to store or could be used as a tray forplaying, drawing, homework, support for tablet or books etc.

In a preferably embodiment of the tray the surface of the lateralsupport plate and a surface of said elevated portion of the base plateare flush.

This makes the tray very suitable for a supportive tray especially forplaying or drawing, homework or playing activities.

In another preferably embodiment of the tray the spacing and lockingmeans includes at least one spacing means that is hingedly connectedbetween the base plate and the lateral support plate, whereby at least afirst end of the spacing means is equipped with a sliding hinge.

Another preferable embodiment tray said spacing and locking meansincludes at least one connection member (122) that is hingedly connectedbetween the base plate (5; 102) and the lateral support plate (1; 101),whereby at least a first end of the connection member (122) is equippedwith a sliding hinge.

This provides an easy connection between the plates and prevents theplates to detach from each other, the connection also provides themovement of the lateral plate and the base plate relative each other.

Another preferable embodiment of the tray the at least one connectionmember comprising at least two rods attached in one end to the baseplate and lateral support plate, said at least two rods havingoverlapping sections, said rods are adapted to slide relative each otherin the longitudinal direction of the rods. This provides an alternativeconnection between the lateral support plate and the base plate.

Yet another preferably embodiment of the tray there are arranged fourspacing means are arranged in pairs at each short side of the tray. Thisprovides a stable support to the tray.

In yet another preferably embodiment of the tray, the tray comprising atleast one resilient member arranged between the lateral support plateand the base plate. This provides a stable support that is alsoflexible.

In another preferable embodiment of the tray, the resilient member is aspring, such as a helical spring. This provides member that is easy tomanufacture and easy to install on the tray. This also provides asupportive tray which is flexible.

In yet another preferable embodiment of the tray, the resilient memberis a leaf spring.

In yet another preferable embodiment the tray having multiple resilientmembers arranged in spaced apart positions between the lateral supportplate and the base plate.

In another preferable embodiment of the invention the locking means arearranged between the lateral support plate and the base plate adapted tolock the tray in the second retracted position. This provides a traythat is easy to store when not in use.

In another preferable embodiment of the invention the locking meanscomprising a hook arranged on the base plate and a protrusion arrangedon the lateral support plate, said hook and protrusion are adapted to becoupled together in the second retracted position. This provides an easycoupling between the plates of the tray.

In yet another preferable embodiment of the invention the hook isoperated by a push button adapted to release the hook from theprotrusion. This provides an easy release and connection between thelateral support plate and the base plate.

In another preferable embodiment of the invention said spacing means arehingedly connected to the base plate in one end and releasable connectedto the lateral support plate in the opposite end. This provides anembodiment where the lateral support plate could be released completelyfrom the base plate to be arranged in the second retracted position.

In another preferable embodiment of the invention the tray having atleast one support member, said at least one support member is hingedlyconnected to the side of the base plate facing away from the lateralsupport plate. This provides a support to the tray when it is arrangedin a person's lap.

In yet another preferable embodiment of the invention, the at least onesupport member is adapted to be oriented in two positions; a positionwhere the at least one support members is perpendicular to the baseplate and a position where the at least one support member are parallelwith the base plate. This provides tray with better storagepossibilities.

In yet another preferable embodiment of the invention said tray havingat least one antiskid element arranged on the side of the base platefacing away from the lateral support plate. This provides better supportwhen the tray is arranged in the lap.

In another preferable embodiment of the invention said tray having anadditional groove arranged in the lateral support plate for pencils,rayons or tablets, such as ipad etc. This provides a tray for playing,writing, drawing or provides a support for a tablet when the tray is inthe second retracted position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be more particularly described by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1-17 is illustrating a first embodiment of a travel tray accordingto the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the tray withfood container and beverage containers positioned in an unlocked mannerwithin the tray.

FIG. 2 pictures the different parts of the travel tray in FIG. 1illustrated in an exploded view.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the travel tray, underside view ofthe tray.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the lateral support plate or foodplate with openings and apertures in the plate.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the upper part of the base platewithout spacing members.

FIG. 6a shows a perspective view of one possible embodiment of thespacing members.

FIG. 7a shows a perspective view of the upper part of the base platewith the spacing members in an upright position.

FIG. 7b shows a perspective view of another possible embodiment of thefastening means from FIG. 7 a.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the upper part of the base plate withthe spacing members arranged in a folded position where the spacingmembers are parallel with the base plate.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the lower part of the base platewithout support member.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of one of the support member.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the lower part of the base platewith the support member in an upright position, viewed from theunderside.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the lower part of the base platewith the support member arranged in a folded position where the supportmembers are parallel with the base plate.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the auxiliary plate or drawing platewith an opening in the center of the plate.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the tray in a folded position withthe auxiliary plate arranged at the upper part of the base plate andlateral support plate arranged at the underside of the base.

FIG. 15 shows the tray from FIG. 14, viewed from underside of the tray.

FIG. 16 shows the tray from FIG. 14-15 with the support members in anupright position.

FIG. 17 shows the tray from FIG. 16, viewed from the side.

FIG. 18-FIG. 24 is illustrating a second embodiment of the trayaccording to the invention.

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of the second embodiment of the tray,viewed from above with containers.

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the trayaccording to the invention, viewed from below with containers.

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the trayaccording to the invention, shown without containers.

FIG. 21a shows a second embodiment of the tray according to theinvention, viewed from the top.

FIG. 21b shows the connection between the lateral support plate and thebase plate.

FIG. 22 shows a side view of the tray in the expanded position.

FIG. 23 shows the second embodiment of the tray in the retractedposition, viewed from above.

FIG. 24 shows the tray in the second retracted position, viewed from theside.

FIG. 25a shows the tray in second retracted position, topside view.

FIG. 25b shows a cross sectional view of the tray in the secondretracted position, viewed from the short side.

FIG. 26 shows the tray in the second retracted position, viewed from theshort side.

FIG. 27 shows the tray in the second retracted position, viewed from thelong side.

FIG. 28-29 shows the different positions of the support member attachedto the tray, seen from below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designatecorresponding structure throughout the views.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the invention showinga tray 20 with a lateral support plate or food plate 1 with openings 2a, 2 b. The openings 2 a, 2 b have a shape complementary to the lowerpart of food containers 3 or beverage containers 4, so that thecontainers can fit in the openings 2 a, 2 b. There could be severalopenings in the lateral support plate 1 of different sizes to match withdifferent container sizes 3, 4. A base plate or central plate 5 isarranged below the lateral support plate 1 in a suitable distance fromthe lateral support plate 1. The base plate defining a floor to thecontainers 3, 4. The lateral support plate 1 and base plate 5 areconnecting with each other through at least one spacing member 6. FIG. 1shows two spacing members 6 having shape as an arch with two free ends 7(shown in FIG. 2). Both ends 7 being hingedly connected to a first side,hereinafter called an upper side of the base plate 5.

The lateral support plate 1 has two rectangular shaped apertures 8 thathave approximately the same width as the spacing members 6. At least aportion of the spacing members 6 are adapted to be inserted through theapertures 8 to make a releasable connection between the lateral supportplate 1 and the base plate 5 when the spacing members 6 are extendingupwardly from the base plate 5.

Support members 10 are hingedly connected to the base plate 5 at thesecond side, hereinafter called an underside of the plate 5.

An auxiliary plate or a drawing plate 9 is releasable connected to theunderside of the base plate 5. The auxiliary plate 9 having arectangular or similar shaped opening 11 (shown in FIG. 2) centrallyoriented in the auxiliary plate 9 that allows the support member 10 toextend downwardly from the base plate 5. The individual parts of thetray 20 is now described further in the following figures.

FIG. 2 shows the different parts of the tray 20 illustrated in anexploded view without the food and beverage containers 3, 4. The lateralsupport plate 1 with openings 2 a, 2 b and apertures 8, the spacingmembers 6, the base plate 5 with fastening means 18 to connect thespacing members 6 with the base plate 5. Similar fastening means areshown in FIG. 3 to connect the support member 10 to the base plate 5.

The base plate 5, the support member 10 and the auxiliary plate 9 aresituated below the lateral support plate 1.

FIG. 3 is illustrating the tray 20 seen from a bottom view where thefastening means 12 are shown connected to the support members 10 at theunderside of the base plate 5. The connection of the auxiliary plate 9to the base plate 5 is also shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is illustrating the lateral support plate 1 of the tray 20. Thelateral support plate 1 is shown with one square or rectangular opening2 a in the middle of the first plate. This opening 2 a is for instancesuitable for food containers 3 or similar. At both sides of the opening2 a the two longitudinal rectangular apertures 8 are arranged. There arealso arranged different holes 2 b with form and size similar to theshape of the food containers 3 and the beverage containers 4 to fit inthe openings 2 a, 2 b. It is obvious for a person skilled in the artthat the first plate can be manufactured with other designs or placementof the openings 2 a, 2 b and apertures 8 suitable for a preferredembodiment of the invention. Along the outer side of the lateral supportplate 1, there is preferably arranged short side flanges 13 a, 13 b andlong side flanges 13 c, 13 d surrounding the lateral support plate 1.The flanges 13 a-13 d extends downwardly (or upwardly) from the lateralsupport plate 1. The auxiliary plate 9 has substantially the same outerdesign as the lateral support plate with outer short side flanges 29 a,29 b (FIG. 13) and long side flanges 29 c, 29 d (FIG. 13) extendingdownwardly or upwardly from the auxiliary plate 9. Both plates 1, 9 areadapted to make a releasable connection with the base plate 5 with theupper part or the lower part of the base plate 5.

FIG. 5 is illustrating the base plate 5. The base plate 5 hasapproximately the same shape as the lateral support plate 1(or auxiliaryplate 9) with outer short side flanges 16 a, 16 b and long side flanges16 c, 16 d arranged perpendicular to the base plate 5 around theperiphery of the base plate 5. The circumference of the flanges 16 a-dare slightly less than the circumference of the outer flange 13 a-d orthe outer flange 29 a-d so that it is possible for the flanges 16 a-d ofthe base plate 5 to be surrounded by a portion of the flange 13 a-d ofthe lateral support plate 1 or a portion of the flange 29 a-d on theupper or the lower half of the base plate 5, when the lateral supportplate 1 or auxiliary plate 9 are arranged in connection with the baseplate 5.

To reinforce the friction between plates 1, 5 there could be arrangedlongitudinal bosses 14, 15 at the outer surface of the short side flange16 a and similar bosses at substantially the same position at theopposite short side flange 16 b, alternatively on the long side flange16 c and long side flange 16 d. The bosses 14, 15 are arranged parallelto each other, preferably one boss 14 at the upper part of the flange 16a-d to help keeping the lateral support plate 1 and the base plate 5together and one similar boss 15 on the lower part of the flange 16 a-dto improve the connection between the auxiliary plate 9 and the flange13. Alternatively, one of the parts may have grooves into which thebosses of the other part may fit. Other arrangement to connect theplates are also possible.

At the center of the base plate 5 there is an elevated rectangular orsquare surface 17 with the same shape and size as the opening 2 a in thelateral support plate 1. This surface may have other shapes defined bythe shape of the opening in the auxillary plate 9.

Fastening means 18 are arranged at both long sides of the elevatedsurface 17 of the upper side of the base plate 5 to attach the spacingmembers 6 to the plate 5. The fastening means could have cubical shapeand are arranged with holes 20 in the center. These holes have acylindrical shape. The fastening means 18 are arranged on both sides ofthe elevated surface, the openings of the holes 20 are facing towardseach other.

FIG. 6 shows the spacing member separate from the tray. The spacingmember 6 has a form as an arc with the two free end 7 facing downwards.These ends 7 having each a cylindrical journal 21 a and is arranged onthe outer surface 24 of the spacing member 6, extending outwardly formthe outer surface 24. The cylindrical journal 21 a are arranged in thecylindrical hole 20 of the fastening means 18, forming the hingedconnection. The fastening means 18 having a stopper 20 c arrangedadjacent the side of the fastening means 18 facing the elevated surface.This ensures that the spacing means 6 are held in an upright positionand prevents any further movement towards the elevated surface 17.

The fastening means 18 could be arranged adjacent the elevated surface17 or in a distance from the elevated surface 17.

The short side of the elevated surface 17 could be adjacent the longflanges 16 c, 16 d of the base plate 5 or there could be a little spacebetween them.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is that the holes in thefastening means have a curved surface on the sides facing towards theelevated surface and the base plate 5. The two remaining sides havingperpendicularly straight lines. (This is not shown in the figures)

The upper surface 21 b of the journal 21 a is then a straight line. Thestraight line 21 b of the journal 21 a in combination with the straightsides of the hole 20 implies that the spacing member 6 can have twopositions when connected to the base plate 5. A force must be applied tothe spacing member 6 to change the position.

The hole 20 could also have a totally cylindrical shape on all sides andthe journal 21 a could have a corresponding cylindrical shape. Otherarrangements or placement of the fastening means 18 are also possibleembodiments of the invention.

On each side of the outer surface of the spacing member 6, at apreferred distance from the ends 23 there is arranged a shoulder 22 anda boss 25. The shoulder s 22 works as stoppers or space providers forthe lateral support plate 1 when the spacing members are placed in theapertures 8. The bosses 25 create a stronger connection between thelateral support plate 1 and the spacing member 6 to prevent the lateralsupport plate 1 from sliding off the spacing member 6. The lateralsupport plate 1 clicks into place between the shoulder 22 and the boss25. The spacing member 6 could have other designs to obtain the desiredfunction of the tray 20. For instance could the spacing member 6 bedesign differently with only one connection to the base plate 5 and theother end of the spacing member 6 connected to the lateral support plate1, this being a possible embodiment of the invention. There could alsobe other arrangements of the spacing member 6 with other designs of theholding means than shoulders 22 and bosses 25. For instance, there couldbe a notch with a distance so that the lateral support plate 1 could fitin the notch instead of the bosses 25 in order to hold the lateralsupport plate 1 steady, in addition to the shoulder 22.

Another possible embodiment of the space member is that the space memberhaving shape as a bow with a straight member with legs extendingobliquely downwards at both sides of the top member towards the journalsat the free ends. The shoulders 22 and bosses 25 are arranged on thelegs 23 b at a suitable distance from the top member 23 a (not shown).

In FIG. 7a the spacing members 6 are shown attached to the base plate 5.The spacing members 6 are shown in the upright position, perpendicularto the first plate 1 with the shoulder s 22 arranged in a preferreddistance from the base plate 5.

FIG. 7b shows another possible embodiment of the fastening means of thespacing members 6. A snap coupling 18 having holes 20 with cylindricalshapes 20 b similar to the fastening means 18 in FIG. 5. The snapcoupling 18 having an opening at a top 20 a of the snap coupling. Theopening 20 a is adapted to match the size of the journal 21 a so that itcan be pressed into the hole 20. Forces must be applied to release thespacing member 6 from the base plate 5.

FIG. 8 shows the same base plate as FIG. 7a but with the spacing membersin a collapsible position so that the spacing members 6 are resting onthe upper surface of the base plate 5 and arranged parallel with thisplate 5. The size of the spacing members 6 and the distance from theelevated plate 17 is dimensioned so that the spacing members 6 are lyingwithin the flange 16 a, 16 b, 16 c, 16 d of the plate 5 or the outerboundary of the base plate 5.

FIG. 9 shows the base plate 5 viewed from below. At this side two pairof hinge blocks 12 a, 12 b are arranged symmetrically from a centerline26 of the plate. The hinge blocks 12 a having a greater distance betweenthem than the hinge blocks 12 b, causing that the support members 10 areinclined relative to each other. The hinge blocks 12 a, 12 b have thesame design as the hinge blocks 18 of the spacing members 6 arranged onthe upper side of the base plate 5.

The hinge blocks 12 a, 12 b could also be arranged as snap couplings 12a, 12 b similar to the snap couplings 18 described in FIG. 7b and areadapted to connect the support members 10 to the base plate 5.

FIG. 10 shows the support member 10 adapted to be connected to thefastening means 12 a, 12 b. The support member 10 having a bow shapewith one horizontal member 26 and two vertically arranged legs 27 aarranged upwardly from the horizontal member 27 b. At the free end ofeach of the vertical legs 27 a there are arranged a cylinder 28 a with astraight part 28 b at the downward side of the cylinder 28 a. Thecylinder 28 a is extending outwardly perpendicular to the outer surfaceof the leg 27 a. The cylinder is adapted to engage the opening of eachof the hinge blocks 12 a, 12 b in the same way as the hinge blocks 18 ofthe spacing means 6. The support member 10 according to the presentinvention could also have another shape than the described bow-shape,this being embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 11 shows the support members 10 connected to the hinge blocks 12 a,12 b on the base plate 5. The support members 10 are arrangedperpendicular to the base plate 5. The support members 10 are adapted tobe arranged between thighs when the tray 20 is placed in a person's lap.The inclined position of the support member 10 gives a better ergonomicsupport for the tray than if the support members 10 are arrangedparallel. The support members 10 could also be arranged parallel, thisbeing also a possible embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 shows the support members folded to a position parallel with thesurface of the base plate 5. The flange 16 a, 16 b, 16 c, 16 d isextending downward below the edge of the base plate a suitable height sothat the folded support members 10 fits in a cavity defined between thelower part of the base plate and the auxiliary plate 9.

The base plate could also be designed with a submerged portion (notshown) at the underside corresponding to the elevated surface 17. Thesupport members are preferably arranged so that they fits in thesubmerged portion when they are arranged in the folded position.

FIG. 13 shows the auxiliary plate 9 with flange parts 29 a, 29 b, 29 c,29 d surrounding the edges of the plate 9. The auxiliary plate 9 is inFIG. 13 oriented with the flange 29 a-d extending downwardly and isadapted to be releasable connected to the upper part of the flange 16a-16 d of the base plate 5, in the same way as the lateral support plate1, when the spacing members are folded down. The auxiliary plate 9 has arectangular or square opening 11 to match the size and shape of theelevated plate 17 so that the surface of the elevated plate 17 is flushwith the surface of the auxiliary plate 9 when the auxiliary plate 9 isattached to the base plate 5. The tray 20 is in this arrangementsuitable as a support for drawing, writing, PC support or similaractivities that require a flat, firm surface. There could also bearranged submerged shoulders (not shown) on the outer rims 17′ (FIG. 8)of the elevated plate 17. The submerged shoulder will give support toedges 9′ on the auxiliary plate 9 which are positioned against theelevated plate 17.

FIG. 14 shows the auxiliary plate 9 connected to the upper part of thebase plate 5 and the spacing members folded between the base plate 5 andthe auxiliary plate 9. The spacing member 6 fits in the cavity definingthe space between the base plate 5 and the auxiliary plate 9. Thelateral support plate 1 is connected to the lower part of the base plate5. The support members 10 are arranged inside and fitted in the spacebetween the base plate 5 and the lateral support plate 1.

FIG. 15 shows the foldable arrangement of the tray from FIG. 14 viewedfrom the underside of the tray 20.

FIGS. 16 and 17 shows the same arrangement as FIG. 14-15 with theauxiliary plate 9 arranged on the upper side of the base plate 5 and thelateral support plate 1 arranged on the underside of the base plate 5.In FIG. 17 the support members 10 are arranged in the upright positionperpendicular to the base plate 5.

FIG. 18-29 shows a second embodiment of a tray according to theinvention.

FIG. 18-19 are illustrating the tray with items, such as containers forfood 3 or beverage 4, viewed from different angles. In this embodimentthe tray 100 comprising a lateral support plate 101 with openings 103(shown in FIG. 20). The openings 103 could have different configurationsuitable for any shape of the containers of food or beverage 3, 4. Forinstance, there could be one opening suitable for a drinking cup, oneopening suitable for a container with food, one opening suitable forsauce or other flavorings, etc. there could also be grooves or openingsfor pencils or support for tablet, books etc. The tray 100 is in thisposition in a first expanded spaced apart position.

The lateral support plate 101 is connected to a base plate 102 arrangedbeneath the lateral support plate 101. The lateral support plate 101 andthe base plate 102 are connected together through at least oneconnection member 122. This connection member 122 is best shown in FIG.21b and will be described further below.

In the embodiment shown in the Figure there are arranged two connectionmembers 122 on each side of the tray, but other arrangement of theconnection members 122 are possible.

Other connection arrangements are also possible, for instance, therecould be a rod part that is in one and attached to the lateral supportplate and a similar rod part attached to the base plate. The free endsof the rod parts are adapted to have slidingly overlapping sectionsadapted to move the plates (101, 102) relative to each other. Therecould also be arranged several intermediate overlapping rod parts inaddition to the rod parts attached to the plates. This arrangement couldbe a telescopic cylinder arrangement with parts that are adapted toslide within each other. It could also be an arrangement where there areprotrusions sliding within slots. (This embodiment are not shown in anyfigures)

In addition, the connection arrangement could also have a lockingarrangements in order to lock the tray in the first extended spacedapart position. The telescopic arrangements could for instance haveprotrusions in one rod part adapted to engage holes in the correspondingrod part or there could be notch in the slot for receiving theprotrusion.

The positioning of the connection members could be different in bothembodiments, the connection members could be position, both on the longside or the short side of the tray.

In addition or as a replacement for the connection member 122, therecould be arranged at least one resilient member 104, for instance aspring, a helical spring or leaf spring or similar arranged between thelateral support plate 101 and the base plate 102. These resilientmembers 104 are in one end connected to the base plate 102 and in theother end connected to the lateral support plate 101.

In the FIGS. 18-23, the resilient member shown as a helical spring 104is arranged at or near the corner of the base plate and the first memberbut other arrangement of the resilient members 104 are also possible.The helical spring in the embodiment shown in the FIGS. 18-23 thehelical spring is attached around protrusions in the lateral supportplate 101 and the base plate 102.

In another embodiment of the invention, a leaf spring or similararrangement could be attached to either the lateral support plate 101 orthe base plate 102. The leaf spring and the attached plate couldoptionally be made in one piece. The other free end is abutting theopposite plate to induce the spacing between the plates 101, 102. Thisfree end could be abutting the opposite plate or the free end could bearranged in latch grooves at the opposite plate. The spring could forinstance be made of plastic or metal. The spring could optionally bemolded or integrated in the attaching plate.

The connection members 122 and the resilient members 104 constitutesspacing means between the lateral support plate 101 and the base plate102 in the first extended spaced apart position. The spacing means alsoacting as a spacing limiter, limiting the allowable distance between theplates.

The resilient member could optionally be fixedly attached to bothplates. The resilient member could then also be the connection member.This makes the connection members superfluous. A tray with thisarrangement could be a possible embodiment of the invention.

The tray could also be arranged without the resilient member also as anembodiment of the invention. The connection member will then preferablyhave a locking arrangement (described above) in the first spaced apartposition so that the lateral support plate and the base plate are keptin the spaced apart position.

The tray 100 comprises further a snap connection 105, 106, 107 betweenthe lateral support plate 101 and the base plate 102. In the embodimentshown in the figure, the snap connection comprises a push button or asnap fastener 105 connected to the outside of the base plate 102. Thepush button 105 is further attached to a hook 106 arranged on the insideof the base plate 102. At the inside of the lateral support plate 101 itis arranged a protrusion 107 (shown in FIG. 19) in a positioncorresponding with the hook 106. The protrusion 107 is adapted toreceive the hook 106 in order to maintain the hook 106 and protrusion107 in a connected position. The hook 106 could be released from theprotrusion 107 by pressing the push button 105. The invention is notlimited to this snap connection. Other connection arrangement betweenthe lateral support plate 101 and the base plate 102 to keep the tray ina second retracted position is possible embodiments of the invention.

The FIG. 18 also shows elevated portions 110. The elevated portions 110are arranged at the surface of the base plate 102 facing the lateralsupport plate 101. The elevated portions 110 are corresponding with theopenings or holes 103 in the lateral support plate 101 so that when thelateral support plate 101 and the base plate 102 are pushed together,the elevated portions 110 match the openings so that the surface of theelevated portions 110 and the surface of the lateral support plate 101are flush.

FIG. 19 shows the tray from FIG. 18, viewed from below. There aresupport members 108 arranged at the side of the tray facing away fromthe lateral support plate 101. These support members 108 could beattached to the base plate 102 through a hinged connection similar asdescribed in the first embodiment. The shape could also be similar tothe shape described in the first embodiment of the tray 20. Possibleembodiment of the support member 10 described in the first embodimentshown in FIG. 1-17 are also possible embodiment for the support member108 shown in FIG. 19.

The support member having two positions. A first position where thesupport member 108 is are arranged in grooves 114 in the base plate 102.The support member are in this position arranged parallel with thesurface of the tray 100. The shape of the grooves 114 are correspondentwith the shape of the support member 108 so that the support members 108in this position are arranged within the base plate 102.

The support member 108 could also be arranged in a second position wherethe support member are arranged perpendicular to the base plate 102. Thesupport members 108 are in this position adapted give support to thetray 100 by placing the support members between the thighs of the user.This provides a more stable support for the tray 100.

In addition to the grooves 114 and support members 108, there could alsobe arranged regularly spaced rubber band 109 or antiskid members. (Thisis also shown in FIG. 28-29) on the surface of the base plate 102 facingaway from the lateral support plate 101. Several rubber bands or otherantiskid members 109 could be arranged parallell to each other at thesurface of the base plate 102. Alternatively it could be arranged insmall grooves in base plate 102.

FIG. 20 shows the tray without the containers with food and beverage 3,4. The elevated portions 110 in the base plate 102 and the openings inthe lateral support plate 101 are shown in greater detail in thisFigure.

The FIG. 21a shows the tray 100 according to the second embodiment,topside view. In addition to the openings 103 in the lateral supportplate 101, there could also be arranged a pencil groove 115 in thesurface of the lateral support plate 101 facing away from the base plate102. This pencil groove 115 could be suitable for pencils, crayons 111etc. the pencils or crayon 111 could be held in the groove by a ribbon117 or other fastening means.

A release mechanism could be 116 are arranged in one end of the groove115. This release mechanism 116 are adapted to be pushed in one end inorder to tilt the other end upwards. The pencils or crayons 111 are thenmoved upwards out of the groove 116 together with the release mechanism116. The pencil groove 115 are an optional feature of the tray 100.

There groove could also be arranged as an opening through the lateralsupport tray 101. This could be suitable for support of tablet forinstance.

The FIG. 21b shows a cross sectional view of the connection between thelateral support plate 101 and the base plate 102.

The at least one connection member 122 is hingedly attached in one baseend 114 to the base plate 102. In an opposite end 112, the connectionmember 122 is hingedly connected to the lateral support plate 101. Thefirst end 112 is connected to the lateral support plate 101 arrangedwithin a slot 113 in the lateral support plate 101.

The first end 112 is adapted to slide between the end positions of thisslot 113. The figure shows two connection members 122 sliding inopposite directions within respective slots 113, there could also be oneconnection member 122 arranged at each side, this being an embodiment ofthe invention.

The FIG. 21b further shows two connection members 122 with hingedattachments to the lateral support plate 101 and the base plate 102 ateach short side of the tray 100. In the first extended spaced apartposition the first ends 112 of the connection members are arranged inthe innermost positions of the slot 113 facing each other. There couldoptionally be a notch arranged in these end of the slots adapted to lockthe tray in the first extended spaced apart position.

Other connection arrangements are described above and could be suitableconnection arrangement instead of the shown connection arrangement.

FIG. 22 shows the second embodiment of the tray 100, viewed from theshort side. In this Figure the shape of the lateral support plate 101and the base plate 102 are shown. On the short sides of the lateralsupport plate 101 and the base plate 102 there are first side edges 101a extending from the lateral support plate 101 towards the base plateand base side edges 102 b that are extending from the base plate 102towards the lateral support plate 101.

The lateral support plate 101 having long sides that are extendingpartly around the first edges 101 a and ends in faces 101 b.

The base plate 102 having similar shape with long sides that areextending partly around the base side edges 102 a and ends in faces 102b. The faces 101 b and 102 b are spaced apart when the tray 100 is inthe first extended spaced apart position.

FIG. 23 shows the tray 100 in the expanded position, viewed from thelong side.

The tray 100 according to the second embodiment of the invention havingtwo positions: The first extended spaced apart position, as describedabove in FIG. 18-23 where the lateral support plate 101 is spaced apartfrom the base plate 102 by the spacing means 122, 104. The tray 100provides support to the containers of food and beverage in thisposition.

A second position will be described further in the FIG. 24-27. Thisposition is a second retracted position where the lateral support plate101 and the base plate 102 are moved towards each other so that thesurface of the plates 101, 102 facing each other are located adjacent.

FIG. 24 shows the tray 100 in the second retracted position. In thisposition the lateral support plate 101 and the base plate 102 are movedtowards each other so that the faces 101 b of the lateral support plate101 and the faces 102 b of the base plate 102 are abutting each other.The first side plates 101 a are arranged outside of the base side plates102 a so that when the tray 100 is second retracted, the side plates 101a, 1012 b are juxtaposed (The positions of the side plates 101 a, 101 bare illustrated in FIG. 23).

The elevated portions 110 of the base plate having substantial equalshapes than the openings 103 in the lateral support plate 101. Theelevated portions 110 are therefore clogging the openings and areforming a smooth surface where the surface of the lateral support plate101 and the surface of the elevated portions of the base plate 102 areflush

The FIG. 25a shows the tray 100 with the elevated portions 110 andopenings 103, topside view. This shows the same feature as in FIG. 21 a.The tray 100 is in this figure in the second retracted position.

FIG. 25b shows a cross sectional view of the tray 100 in the secondretracted position. As shown in the FIG. 21 b, the tray 100 is retractedto a position where the faces 101 b and faces 102 b are abutting or to aposition where the spacing means 104, 122 are retracted to a lowermostposition with as little as possible gap between the lateral supportplate 101 and the base plate 102. This could for instance be where theprotrusions connected to the resilient members are abutting or anotherdefined lock position.

In this position the first ends 112 of the connection members 122 areforced towards the base plate 102. To obtain the retracted position, thefirst ends 112 will slide towards the outermost positions in the slots113 facing away from each other.

The resilient members 104 are also compressed between the lateralsupport plate 101 and the base plate 102 in the second retractedposition.

FIG. 26 shows the tray 100, viewed from the short side in the secondretracted position. The first side edges 101 a having a recess 118(shown in FIG. 22) with similar shape as the push button 105 in order tomove the lateral support plate 101 and the base plate 102 together asmuch as possible.

The FIG. 27 shows the tray 100 in the second retracted position, viewedfrom the long side of the tray 100.

FIG. 28 shows the support members arranged on the side of the base platefacing away from the lateral support plate 101. The Figures shows thesupport member 110 in a position where the support members 110 arearranged perpendicular to the base plate 102. The support members 110could be attached to the base plate 102 through a snap coupling forinstance clamps 120 arranged in pairs. The figure shows two pair ofclamps connecting each support member to the base plate 101. Otherfastening means are also possible for instance the fastening means asdescribed in the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 29 shows the support member 110 arranged in the grooves 114 (FIG.28) in the base plate 102. The support member 110 could also beconnected to the base plate 102 in an additional releasably connection121 when the support member 110 is arranged in the grooves 114 toprevent the support members 110 to escape from the grooves 119 when thesupport members 110 are not in use. The arrangement of the supportmembers 110 relative each other are similar to the arrangement describedin the first embodiment. The FIG. 28-29 also illustrates the rubber band109 described earlier.

The function of the tray will be now be described.

When the tray 100 is in the first extended spaced apart position, theresilient member 104 are moving the lateral support plate 101 and thebase plate 102 away from each other, the connection members 122providing connection between the plates 101, 102.

In this position, the tray 101 is suitable for supporting items, such ascontainers for food or beverage 3, 4.

The lateral support plate 101 and the base plate are moved together to asecond retracted position. In this position, the hook 106 or otherlocking means are engaging the protrusion 107 or other locking means inorder to lock the tray 101 in the second retracted position. The tray101 in this position is suitably for storing the tray since it isthinner than in the first extended position. It is also suitable to beused as a play board with because of its smooth surface.

By pushing the bush button 105, the hook 106 is released from theprotrusion and the spacing means, that is the resilient member and orthe connection member will force the lateral support plate 101 and thebase plate 102 away from each other towards the first extended spacedapart position. The spacing means also acting as a space limiter,limiting the allowable distance between the plates.

The different plates 1, 5, 9, 101, 102 spacing and locking means 6;25,122; 104, 105, 106, 107 and support members, 6, 10, 110 in bothembodiments of the invention, are preferably molded from a durableplastic although wood, cardboard, molded or pressed metals, or othersuitable materials may also be used. The lateral support plate 1, 101could also be made as a disposable plate.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosedin detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it isunderstood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodimentsshown and that various changes and modifications can be affected thereinby one skilled in the art without departing from scope of the inventionas defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

1. A tray for holding items, the tray comprising: a lateral supportplate and a base plate arranged in a substantially parallelrelationship, spacing and locking means, the spacing and locking meansinterconnecting the lateral support plate and the base plate; andwherein the lateral support plate has at least one opening being definedthrough the lateral support plate, forming lateral support for at leastone item, the base plate defining a supportive floor for the at leastone item, the spacing and locking means being configured to hold thelateral support plate and the base plate in a first extended spacedapart position and to hold the lateral support plate and the base platein a second retracted position, the base plate having at least oneelevated portion corresponding with the at least one opening (2 a; 2 b;103) in the lateral support plate, the elevated portion filling theopening in the retracted position.
 2. The tray for holding itemsaccording to claim 1, wherein a surface of the lateral support plate anda surface of the elevated portion of the base plate are flush.
 3. Thetray for holding items according to claim 1, wherein the spacing andlocking means includes at least one connection member s that is hingedlyconnected between the base plate and the lateral support plate, wherebyat least a first end of the connection member is equipped with a slidinghinge.
 4. The tray for holding items according to claim 1, wherein theat least one connection member comprising at least two rods attached inone end to the base plate and lateral support plate, the at least tworods having overlapping sections, the rods are adapted to slide relativeeach other in the longitudinal direction of the rods.
 5. The tray forholding items according to claim 1, wherein the connection members arearranged in pairs at each short side of the tray.
 6. The tray forholding items according to claim 1, wherein the tray comprising at leastone resilient member arranged between the lateral support plate and thebase plate.
 7. The tray for holding items according to claim 6, whereinthe resilient member is a spring, such as a helical spring.
 8. The trayfor holding items according to claim 6, wherein the resilient member isa leaf spring.
 9. The tray for holding items according to claim 6,wherein the tray having multiple resilient members arranged in spacedapart positions between the lateral support plate and the base plate.10. The tray for holding items according to claim 1, wherein the lockingmeans are arranged between the lateral support plate and the base plateadapted to lock the tray in the second retracted position.
 11. The trayfor holding items according to claim 10, wherein the locking meanscomprising a hook arranged on the base plate and a protrusion arrangedon the lateral support plate, the hook and protrusion are adapted to becoupled together in the second retracted position.
 12. The tray forholding items according to claim 10, wherein the hook is operated by apush button adapted to release the hook from the protrusion.
 13. Thetray for holding items according to claim 1, wherein the spacing meansare hingedly connected to the base plate in one end and releasableconnected to the lateral support plate in the opposite end.
 14. The trayaccording to claim 1, wherein the tray having at least one supportmember, the at least one support member is hingedly connected to theside of the base plate facing away from the lateral support plate. 15.The tray according to claim 14, wherein the at least one support memberis adapted to be oriented in two positions; a position where the atleast one support members are perpendicular to the base plate and aposition where the at least one support member are parallel with thebase plate.
 16. The tray according to claim 1, wherein the tray havingat least one antiskid element arranged on the side of the base platefacing away from the lateral support plate.
 17. The tray according toclaim 1, wherein the tray having an additional groove arranged in thelateral support plate for pencils, rayons or tablet.
 18. The trayaccording to claim 1, wherein the tray having locking means adapted tolock the tray in the first extended spaced apart position.
 19. The trayaccording to claim 1, wherein the items comprise at least one containerof food or beverage.